Apparatus for producing a beverage

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for producing a beverage includes a water tank, a concentrate container, and a mixing chamber. A water conduit supplies water by gravity from the water tank to a water discharge mixing opening and a concentrate conduit supplies the liquid concentrate by gravity from the concentrate container to a concentrate discharge mixing opening. The discharge openings open directly and separately into the mixing chamber. A dispenser assembly opens and closes the discharge openings and the released water and liquid concentrate directly leaves the mixing chamber to produce the beverage. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a sealable chamber, and an air pump for pressurizing the sealable chamber and the concentrate container. A dispenser and methods for producing a beverage from a liquid concentrate and water are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/145,720, filed Jun. 6, 2005, entitled “An Apparatus ForProducing A Beverage,” which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/648,106, filed Jan. 28, 2005, entitled “Device ForMaking Coffee From Liquid Concentrate,” the entire subject matter ofthese applications being incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for producingbeverages and, more specifically, to apparatus and methods for producingbeverages from liquid concentrate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many beverages have been produced from concentrate including fruitjuices and coffee and tea. However, the production of coffee and teafrom concentrate has been limited substantially to commercial devicesthat are expensive and cumbersome for home or office usage.

An example of a beverage apparatus that produces beverages from twoliquid components is shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,843,020 issued toBardeau. The beverage apparatus in Bardeau includes a spring for raisinga carton containing the concentrate to control the flow rate of theconcentrate. U.S. Pat. No. 3,532,505 to Cornelius discloses a coffeedispensing machine which utilizes a carbonated coffee concentrate.Another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,069 issued to Burke et al.discloses adding water, either manually or automatically, to a beverageconcentrate.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,579,048 issued to Stover discloses initially brewing aconcentrate, specifically from tea leaves, to produce a concentrate. Theconcentrate is then diluted to an acceptable strength and temperature bythe timed addition of water. U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,035 issued to Gorski etal. discloses using a dry concentrate for dispensing a food or beverage.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,536,496 issued to Paoloni discloses a method forproducing concentrate and then using such concentrate for producingcoffee. U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,719 issued to Triola et al. discloses acoffee maker using liquid coffee concentrate and a plunger to deliverthe concentrate.

Vitality Foodservice, Inc. of Tampa, Fla. offers dispensers for coffeeand hot beverages. The device includes a solenoid valve for controllingdischarge of water from a water tank to an open channel. Disposed abovethe open channel is a control valve for controlling discharge ofconcentrate into the water in the channel. The resulting beverage isthen discharged.

There is a need for further apparatus and methods for producing abeverage from liquid concentrate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides in a first aspect, an apparatus forproducing a beverage from a liquid concentrate and water. The apparatusincludes a water tank, a concentrate container, a mixing chamber, awater conduit for supplying the water from the water tank to the mixingchamber by gravity, a concentrate conduit for supplying the liquidconcentrate from the concentrate container to the mixing chamber bygravity, and a dispenser assembly. The water conduit has a waterdischarge mixing opening which opens directly into the mixing chamber,and the concentrate conduit has a concentrate discharge mixing openingwhich opens directly into the mixing chamber and separately from thewater discharge mixing opening. The dispenser assembly is operable toopen and close the concentrate discharge mixing opening and the waterdischarge mixing opening to permit and inhibit the flow of liquidconcentrate and water directly and separately into the mixing chamber,which released water and liquid concentrate directly leaves the mixingchamber to produce the beverage.

The present invention provides in a second aspect, an apparatus forproducing a beverage from a liquid concentrate and water. The apparatusincludes an enclosure having a sealable chamber, a concentrate containerdisposed in the sealable chamber, a mixing chamber, a water conduit forsupplying the water to the mixing chamber, a concentrate conduit forsupplying the liquid concentrate from the concentrate container to themixing chamber, an air pump for pressurizing the sealable chamber andconcentrate container, and dispenser assembly. The water conduit has awater discharge mixing opening which opens directly into the mixingchamber, and the concentrate conduit has a concentrate discharge mixingopening which opens directly into the mixing chamber and separately fromthe water discharge mixing opening. The dispenser assembly is operableto open and close the concentrate discharge mixing opening and the waterdischarge mixing opening to permit and inhibit the flow of liquidconcentrate and water directly and separately into the mixing chamber,which released water and liquid concentrate directly leaves the mixingchamber to produce the beverage.

The present invention provides in a third aspect, a dispenser fordischarging a beverage from liquid concentrate and water. The dispenserincludes a conduit housing having a water conduit having a waterdischarge mixing opening and a concentrate conduit having a concentratedischarge mixing opening, a strength valve for adjusting the flow of theliquid concentrate in the concentrate conduit, a mixing chamber intowhich the water discharge mixing opening and the concentrate dischargemixing opening directly and separately opens, a stopper for opening andclosing the concentrate discharge mixing opening and the water dischargemixing opening to permit and inhibit the flow of the liquid concentrateand the water into the mixing chamber, a spring for biasing the stopperto inhibit the flow of the liquid concentrate and the water into themixing chamber, and a handle for moving the stopper to permit the flowof the liquid concentrate and the water into the mixing chamber, whichreleased water and liquid concentrate directly leaves the mixing chamberto produce the beverage.

The present invention provides in a fourth aspect, a method forproducing a beverage from a liquid concentrate and water. The methodincludes transferring a supply of the water through a water conduit to awater discharge mixing opening which opens directly into a mixingchamber by gravity, transferring a supply of the liquid concentratethrough a concentrate conduit to a concentrate discharge mixing openingwhich opens directly into the mixing chamber and separately from thewater discharge mixing opening by gravity, and selectively opening andclosing the concentrate discharge mixing opening and the water dischargemixing opening to permit and inhibit the flow of liquid concentrate andwater directly and separately into the mixing chamber, which releasedwater and liquid concentrate directly leaves the mixing chamber toproduce the beverage.

The present invention provides in a fifth aspect, a method for producinga beverage from a liquid concentrate. The method includes attaching aflexible bag containing a supply of the liquid concentrate to aconcentrate conduit, sealing the flexible bag in an airtight enclosure,pressurizing air in the airtight enclosure and around the flexible bag,transferring the supply of the liquid concentrate through a concentrateconduit to a concentrate discharge mixing opening which opens directlyinto the mixing chamber and separately from the water discharge mixingopening, transferring a supply of the water through a water conduit to awater discharge mixing opening which opens directly into a mixingchamber, and selectively opening and closing the concentrate dischargemixing opening and the water discharge mixing opening to permit andinhibit the flow of liquid concentrate and water directly and separatelyinto the mixing, which released water and liquid concentrate directlyleaves the mixing chamber to produce the beverage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of thespecification. The invention, however, may best be understood byreference to the following detailed description of various embodimentsand accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of the apparatus in accordance with thepresent invention for producing a beverage with the enclosure partiallybroken away showing a water tank, a concentrate container, a strengthvalve, and a dispenser;

FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of the concentrate container, a connection tothe water tank, a connection to the liquid concentrate, the conduithousing, as well as the strength valve and the dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the water conduit and theconcentrate conduit of FIG. 1 showing the flow paths in broken lines;

FIG. 4 is a view taken along line 4-4 showing the concentrate conduit asone channel and the water conduit as two channels;

FIG. 5 is an exploded side elevational view of the conduit housing, themixing chamber, and the dispenser assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit that controlsthe operation of the apparatus of FIG. 1 for producing a beverage fromliquid concentrate;

FIG. 7 is a pictorial view of another apparatus in accordance with thepresent invention for producing a beverage with the enclosure partiallybroken away showing a water tank, a concentrate container disposed in asealed chamber, a strength valve, an air pump, and a dispenser;

FIG. 8 is pictorial view of another apparatus in accordance with thepresent invention for producing a beverage with the enclosure partiallybroken away showing a water tank, a concentrate container disposed in asealed chamber, a strength valve, an air pump, and a dispenser;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit that controlsthe operation of the apparatus of FIG. 8 for producing a beverage fromliquid concentrate;

FIG. 10 is pictorial view of another apparatus in accordance with thepresent invention for producing a beverage;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the water conduit and theconcentrate conduit of FIG. 10 showing the flow paths in broken lines;and

FIG. 12 is a view taken along line 12-12 showing the concentrate conduitas one channel and the water conduit as two channels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus 10 is shown for producing a beveragefrom a liquid concentrate and water. In this embodiment, as describedbelow, the beverage produced by apparatus 10 may be coffee. Theapparatus includes an enclosure 11 which is shown partially broken away.The enclosure 11 has a front 13 and a back 15 and two sides 17 as wellas a base 19. A lid 21 is hinged to the back 15 to rotate away from thefront 13 and the sides 17. The lid 21 includes a lip 23 which extends atright angles from the lid 21 to fit securely against the front 13.Within the enclosure 11 against the back 15 is a water tank 25. At thetop of the water tank 25 is a vent 27. A filler inlet 29 extends throughone of the sides 17 of the enclosure 11 to supply water to the watertank 25.

Mounted in front of the water tank 25 is a concentrate container 39. Theconcentrate container 39, as shown, preferably includes a flexible bag41 that collapses as concentrate is consumed. The flexible bag 41 isinexpensive and once emptied is readily disposable. In addition to theflexible bag 41, the concentrate container 39 includes an outlet 43which is sealed until pierced by a probe 45 which self seals in theoutlet 43. The concentrate container 39 is mounted on the probe 45.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the probe 45 connects to a conduit housing 49.The probe 45 is generally vertically oriented but at its lower end 47 isoffset at an obtuse angle to the vertical to join the conduit housing49. The probe 45 is threaded at its lower end 47 which is the endopposite from the concentrate container 39 (FIG. 2). This thread engagesa thread in the conduit housing 49.

As seen in broken lines in FIG. 3, a concentrate conduit 51 extendsthrough the conduit housing 49. The concentrate conduit 51 is located atan acute angle to the horizontal within the conduit housing 49. Theconduit housing 49 has a top 53 which is inclined at an acute angle tothe horizontal, a bottom 55 which is generally horizontal as well as twosides 57 (FIG. 4) which are generally vertical and preferably parallelto one another.

The conduit housing 49 also has two ends, namely an inlet end 61adjacent to the water tank 25 (FIG. 1) and the concentrate container 39(FIG. 1) and an outlet end 63. In conduit housing 49, concentrate flowsfrom a concentrate inlet opening 64 in the inlet end 61 to a concentratedischarge mixing opening 66 in the outlet end 63 through the concentrateconduit 51. The concentrate conduit 51 is inclined to the horizontal atan acute angle but the concentrate conduit 51 turns to the horizontal atthe outlet end 63 of the conduit housing 49. The conduit housing 49 hasan upper portion 65 adjacent the top 53 of the conduit housing 49 and alower portion 67 adjacent the bottom 55 of the conduit housing 49. Theinlet end 61 of the upper portion 65 of the conduit housing 49 is slopedat an acute angle to the horizontal to accommodate the obtuse angle tothe vertical at the lower end 47 of the probe 45. The lower portion 67of the inlet end 61 is generally at right angles to the bottom 55 of theconduit housing 49.

In the lower portion 67 of the conduit housing 49 is one or more waterconduits 69. The water conduit, as shown in FIG. 4, may include twochannels. One, two or three and possibly more channels may be used toform the water conduit. The number of channels may depend upon thebeverage being produced, the concentration level of the concentrate, andthe desired level of dilution by water. The water conduit, regardless ofthe number of channels, may be substantially horizontal. With referenceagain to FIG. 3, in conduit housing 49, water flows from a water inletopening 60 in the inlet end 61 to a water discharge mixing opening 68 inthe outlet end 63 through water conduits 69. Desirably, the concentratedischarge mixing opening 66 and the water discharge mixing opening 68are disposed on the same surface to controllable discharge bothconcentrate and water at the same time as described in greater detailbelow.

With referenced again to FIG. 1, a supply line 31 (such as from a watersupply in a home or building) provides water to the water tank 25 whenan automatic feed is utilized. A fill valve 33 is located in the supplyline 31. A float valve 73 is located in one side 17 of the water tank 25above the filler inlet 29 and above the level of a water outlet 75 fromthe water tank 25. It will be appreciated that the float switch and fillvalve may be disposed inside enclosure 11.

With reference now to FIG. 5, by means of a nipple 77, threaded at bothends, the water conduit 69 (FIG. 3) is connected to the water tank 25(FIG. 1) at the inlet end 61 of the conduit housing 49. The conduithousing 49 is connected to a mixing chamber 79 at the outlet end 63. Themixing chamber 79 includes two sections, namely an upper section whichis also a dispenser housing 81 and a lower section which is also a spout83. A nozzle 85 is connected to the lower end of the spout 83 remotefrom the dispenser housing 81.

The conduit housing 49 at the outlet end 63 has a cylindrical extension87. A conduit opening 89 extends through the cylindrical extension 87generally at right angles to the concentrate conduit 51 (FIG. 3). Amixing opening 91 extends through the upper section of the mixingchamber 79. The upper section of the mixing chamber 79, also beingcylindrical, slides over the cylindrical extension 87 with the uppersection of the mixing chamber 79 mounted on the cylindrical extension 87so that the mixing opening 91 and the conduit opening 89 become alignedwith one another. A strength valve 93 is placed into the aligned conduitopening 89 and mixing opening 91. The strength valve 93 which is acylindrical rod with a knob 95 at one end, secures the mixing chamber 79to the cylindrical extension 87. A retaining ring 97 snaps onto the endof the strength valve 93 to retain the strength valve 93 in place.

A passageway 99 through the strength valve 93, which is locatedgenerally at right angles to the strength valve 93, aligns with theconcentrate conduit 51 (FIG. 3). By turning the knob 95, the passageway99 is misaligned to a degree consistent with the degree that the knob 95is turned in relationship to the concentrate conduit 51 (FIG. 3). Inthis way, the rate of flow of the concentrate can be modified consistentwith the strength of the beverage desired.

The upper section of the mixing chamber 79 which is also the dispenserhousing 81 and the spout 83 are both hollow cylinders and are locatedgenerally at right angles to one another. As previously stated, theupper section or dispenser housing 81 is open at both ends and one endis placed over the cylindrical extension 87. On the other end, anexternal thread 101 is located on which a dispenser assembly 103 ismounted by means of a cap 105. The dispenser assembly 103 includes astopper 107 which is placed against the outlet end 63 of the conduithousing 49 blocking both the water conduit 69 (FIG. 3) and theconcentrate conduit 51 (FIG. 3). An actuator rod 109 engages the stopper107. The actuator rod 109 has a ring 111 about it which is locatedtoward the stopper 107. A coil spring 113 is mounted about the actuatorrod 109 and is compressed between the ring 111 and the cap 105 wherebythe coil spring 113 forces the stopper 107 against the outlet end 63 ofthe conduit housing 49 to block both the water conduit 69 (FIG. 3) andthe concentrate conduit 51 (FIG. 3). The dispenser assembly includes ahandle 115 and on the back of the handle 115 there are a pair of rockermembers 117. The actuator rod 109 extends through the cap 105 and isconnected to the handle 115 between the pair of rocker members 117. Apin 119 in the rocker members 117 secures the actuator rod 109 to therocker members. The pin 119 in the rocker members 117 slides into agroove and opening 120 to secure the actuator rod 109 to the rockermember 117.

By pressing on the bottom of the handle 115, the actuator rod 109 ispulled back which also pulls back the stopper 107 thereby releasing boththe liquid concentrate and the water from the concentrate conduit 51(FIG. 3) and the water conduit 69 (FIG. 3), respectively. Desirably,when the stopper is moved away from outlet end 63 of the conduit housing49 there is a simultaneous discharge of liquid concentrate and waterfrom both the concentrate discharge mixing opening 66 (FIG. 3) and thewater discharge mixing opening 68 (FIG. 3), respectively. When thestopper 107 is disposed against the outlet end 63 of the conduit housing49, there is a simultaneous shutting off of the discharge of the liquidconcentrate and water from both the concentrate discharge mixing opening66 (FIG. 3) and the water discharge mixing opening 68 (FIG. 3),respectively. It should be specifically noted that the stopper 107prevents flow directly adjacent the strength valve 93 and the mixingchamber 79. The mixture of water and concentrate then directly leavesthe mixing chamber 79 for consumption. Such a configuration ofsimultaneous controlling both the starting and stopping of the dischargeof both the concentrate and water, and also of locating the stopper 107before the mixing chamber 79, inhibits the likelihood of a previousmixture being included in a subsequent withdrawal of the beverage.

The mixing chamber 79 causes the liquid concentrate and water to mix byswirling within the mixing chamber 79. In addition, by positioning theconcentrate discharge mixing opening 66 (FIGS. 3 and 4) and the waterdischarge mixing opening 68 (FIGS. 3 and 4) adjacent each other, thereis a natural tendency for the two discharge streams to spiral aroundeach other and aid in the mixing of the resulting beverage. The mixingchamber 79 also aids in the blending and mixing. The spout 83, which ispart of the mixing chamber 79 continues the mixing and blending. Thefinal mixed beverage product is delivered from the bottom of the nozzle85 attached to the bottom of the spout 83.

With reference to FIG. 6, a power source 121 of one-hundred-ten voltalternating current may be employed. Power is supplied from the powersource 121 through a switch 123, which is preferably a rocker switch.With the switch 123 turned on, a red light 125 is turned on. The redlight 125 is the low water fill light. Power also flows to a floatswitch 127 which is normally closed and which activates a relay 129which opens the fill valve 33 which introduces water from the supplyline 31 to increase the water level in the water tank. Once the desiredwater level is achieved, the float switch 127 is raised to a desiredlevel which in turn opens the float switch 127 and closes the fill valve33. Once the fill valve 33 is turned off an electrical circuit 140having a thermal adjusting unit 130 is activated to bring thetemperature of the water to a desired level. When the desiredtemperature of the water is achieved, the normally closed thermo button131 is opened which de-energizes the thermal adjusting unit 130 and alsocloses a normally open thermal button 133 which turns on a green light135. The lighting of the green light 135 indicates that the apparatus isready for use.

The thermal adjusting unit 130 is shown as a heating element but acooling element is also within the scope of a thermal adjusting unit130.

In operation, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6, electrical power issupplied through the switch 123. The water tank 25 fills from the supplyline 31 through the fill valve 33. The concentrate flows by gravity fromthe concentrate container 39. The water in the water tank 25 flows fromthe water tank 25 by gravity. The thermal control button 131 holds thewater temperature at approximately one-hundred-ninety degreesFahrenheit. Once the water level drops, the float switch 127 opens thefill valve 33 to supply additional water. By pressing the handle 115, areceptacle (not shown) may be filled through the nozzle 85 with abeverage comprising a blended mixture of liquid concentrate and water inwhatever quantity is desired.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus 200 in accordancewith the present invention for producing a beverage from a liquidconcentrate and water. Apparatus 200 is essentially the same asapparatus 10 described above with the exception of an airtight enclosurearound the concentrate container 39 and an air pump 210. A gasket 212 isprovided which when the lid 21 is closed creates a sealed chamber 214 inthe enclosure 11 around concentrate container 39. The air pump 210provides a low positive pressure, of about 2 pounds per square inch(psi) to about 10 pounds per square inch (psi), in the sealed chamber214 which applies a constant positive pressure around the concentratecontainer such as flexible bag 41. When a beverage is desired, and thehandle 115 is activated, liquid concentrate flows at a constant rate. Anadded benefit due to the positive pressure is that the flexible bag 41will completely empty, e.g., there will be little if any concentrateleft in the flexible bag.

The air pump may be operably connected to the electrical power supply topressurize the air surrounding the flexible bag 41 when the water is atthe desired temperature. Alternatively, the apparatus may be configuredso that upon initially activating the handle 115, the air pump isactivated to pressurize the air surrounding the flexible bag.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus 300 in accordancewith the present invention for producing a beverage from a liquidconcentrate and water. Apparatus 300 is essentially the same asapparatus 200 described above with the following exceptions. A floatvalve 373 is mounted in an open top water tank 25 and connected to awater line 331. Float valve 373 provides an on-off action forcontrolling the filling of water in the water tank by action of the fallor rise of a float concurrent with the fall and rise of the water in thewater tank. The water line may be connected to the back of the enclosureso as to not be visible to users. A vent tube 327 may have an enddisposed adjacent the top of the water tank and the other end of thevent tube may be disposed in a drip pan (not shown) mounted on the lowerfront of the apparatus under the dispenser.

As shown in FIG. 9, a schematic electrical diagram of the electricalcircuit in apparatus 300 may include an illuminated on/off rocker switch323 operably attached to a source of electrical power, e.g., aone-hundred-ten volt alternating current outlet in a home or building.

With the switch 323 turned on, a light 325 is turned on and illuminatesa red actuator 324 to alert the user that power is being supplied to theapparatus. In the “on” position and if sufficient water is in the watertank, switch 390 controlled by the float valve 373 allows electricalpower to be supplied to an electric circuit 340 comprising a thermobutton or temperature sensor 339 and a heater 330 such as a coil heater.The temperature sensor 339 may be attached directly to the water tank(FIG. 8) to measure the temperature of the water. The heating coil orelement may be attached to the bottom of the water tank. If the water iscold, the temperature sensor 339 allows electrical current to besupplied to the heater 330. When temperature sensor 339 detects thewater getting too hot, it cuts off the current to the heater. When thewater cools down, the temperature sensor turns the heater back on. Bycycling on and off, the temperature sensor keeps the coil at an eventemperature to heat the water in the tank. For safety in the event thatthe temperature sensor 339 fails, one or more thermal fuses may beemployed to cut power if the thermal fuses sense the heat in reachingtoo high a temperature.

When the desired temperature of the water is achieved as detected by asecond thermal button or temperature sensor 351, a light 350 such as agreen light is illuminated to alert a user that the water is at thedesired temperature for making the beverage. If the water temperaturedrops, the light 350 would go out and remain out until the water returnsto the desired temperature. As described earlier, the apparatus mayinclude a heating element, however, a cooling element for producing coldbeverages may be suitably employed.

It is appreciated that the apparatus may be manually filled with wateravoiding the need for providing a conduit attached to the apparatus, andattached to the water supply in, for example, a home or business. Inaddition, an apparatus may include two dispensers, for example, oneconfigured for providing regular coffee or tea, and the other forproviding decaffeinated coffee or tea. Further, by closing the strengthvalve no liquid concentrate will be delivered from the dispenser so asto provide only hot water where a heating element is employed or coldwater where a cooling element is employed.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an apparatus 400 in accordance with thepresent invention is shown for producing a beverage from a liquidconcentrate and water. In this embodiment, as described below, thebeverage produced by apparatus 400 may be tea. The apparatus includes anenclosure 411. The enclosure 411 may be cylindrical, square, rectangularor any shape. The enclosure 411 includes a bottom portion 413 having asealed chamber 414 in which is disposed a concentrate container such asa flexible bag 441 that collapses as concentrate is consumed, and a topportion 415. A lid 416 may be attached to the upper end of the bottomportion to seal the flexible bag inside the lower portion. The topportion and the bottom portion may be releasably attachable together.

A supply line 431 (such as from a water supply in a home or building)provides water to apparatus 400. The supply line 431 connects to a tube432 which in turn connects to a water pressure regulator 434 whichreduces the pressure from the supply line (typically about 60 psi) toabout 5 psi. The reduced pressure water supply is transferred via a tube436 to a conduit housing 449 as described in greater detail below.

A tube 445 connects at one end to the flexible bag 441 and at the otherend to conduit housing 449 for transferring liquid concentrate fromflexible bag 441 to conduit housing 449. An air pump 410 provides a lowpositive air pressure, of about 2 pounds per square inch (psi) to about10 pounds per square inch (psi), to the bottom portion of the enclosure411 to provide a constant positive pressure around the flexible bag 441.

As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the conduit housing 449 has two ends,namely an inlet end 461 (FIG. 11) and an outlet end 463. The conduithousing 449 also includes a concentrate conduit 451 and one or morewater conduits 469 that extend through the conduit housing 449.

One end of the concentrate conduit 451 is connected to a hollowprojection 447 (FIG. 11) having a concentrate inlet opening whichattaches to tube 445 (FIG. 10) for receiving concentrate. The other endof the concentrate conduit 451 is a concentrate discharge mixing opening466 which opens onto outlet end 463. In a lower portion of the conduithousing 449 is a water conduit 469 which may comprise one or morechannels. One end of the water conduit 469 is a water inlet openingwhich attaches to the tube 436 (FIG. 10) for receiving water. The otherend of the water conduit 469 is a water discharge mixing opening 468which opens onto outlet end 463. Both the concentrate conduit and thewater conduit may be horizontally disposed. Desirably, the concentratedischarge mixing opening 466 and the water discharge mixing opening 468are disposed on the same surface to controllable discharge bothconcentrate and water at the same time.

The conduit housing 449 is connected to a mixing chamber 479 (FIG. 11)at the outlet end 463. The mixing chamber 479 includes two sections,namely an upper section which is also a dispenser housing 481 (FIG. 11)and a lower section which is also a spout 483 (FIG. 11). A nozzle 485(FIG. 11) is connected to the lower end of the spout 483 (FIG. 11)remote from the dispenser housing 481 (FIG. 11). The conduit housing 449at the outlet end 463 has a cylindrical extension 487.

The rate of concentrate to be delivered to the mixing chamber iscontrolled by a strength valve 493 which selectively extends intoconcentrate conduit 451. The strength valve 493 may be a cylindrical rodor flat bar having a lower end which is disposed in concentrate conduit451 and an upper end which is disposed adjacent a movable ramp 495. Acoil spring 491 biases the upper end of strength valve against ramp 495.By moving a strength lever 497 attached to ramp 495 in the direction ofdouble-headed arrow A (FIG. 12) back and forth, the strength valve 493is moved in the direction of double-headed arrow B (FIG. 12) up anddown. In this way, the rate of flow of the concentrate can be modifiedconsistent with the strength of the beverage desired.

The upper section of the mixing chamber 479 (FIG. 11), the spout 483(FIG. 11), and the dispenser assembly including a handle 415 (FIG. 11)is similar to the mixing chamber, the spout, and the dispenser assemblyillustrated in FIG. 5 and described above.

In operation, with reference to FIG. 10, pump 410 may be continuouslyoperated to pressurize chamber 414, and thus pressurize the flexible bag441. Alternatively, the pump may be activated by a switch connected tohandle 415 upon the user initially moving the handle 415. The strengthlever 497 is moved to a position corresponding to the desired strengthof the beverage. The beverage is produced by the user placing a cup orglass under spout 485 and pressing or lifting the handle 415. Upon theuser doing so, the stopper is moved away from the concentrate dischargemixing opening and the water discharge mixing opening thereby allowingconcentrate and water to enter the mixing chamber and then exit thespout.

The advantages of the various apparatus described above are many. In oneembodiment, by use of gravity feed for both the water and theconcentrate, the need for manual and/or powered fluid pumps areeliminated. In another embodiment, the use of an air pump allowsproviding a constant liquid concentrate flow. The cost of the variousapparatus is brought down to a reasonable level for home and officeusage and the compact size of the apparatus is also suitable for homeand office use. The mixing chamber provides excellent blending andmixing resulting in a very desirable drink. The various apparatus alsoallows a user to readily select the strength of the beverage. When usedwith liquid coffee or tea concentrate, an exceptional coffee or teadrink is produced. When brewing coffee or tea from liquid concentratethere are no filters or used coffee grounds or tea leaves to clean up. Auser can brew a fresh cup of coffee or tea one cup at a time on demand.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been illustratedand described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatmany further changes and modifications may be made thereunto withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1-51. (canceled)
 52. An apparatus for dispensing a food product, theapparatus comprising: an enclosure having a sealable chamber; acontainer containing a food product disposed in the sealable chamber; aconduit for supplying the food product from the container to adispenser, the conduit having a discharge opening; an air pump forpressurizing the sealable chamber and container; and said dispenseroperable to selectively sealably engaging the discharge opening toselectively open and close the discharge opening to permit and inhibitthe flow of food product from the dispenser.
 53. The apparatus of claim52 wherein the dispenser comprises a stopper having a surface forselectively sealably engaging the discharge opening to selectively openand close the discharge opening.
 54. The apparatus of claim 52 furthercomprising a valve for adjusting the flow of food product in theconduit.
 55. The apparatus of claim 52 where in the dispenser ismanually-operated by a user.
 56. The apparatus of claim 52 wherein thecontainer is a flexible bag.
 57. A method for dispensing a food product,the method comprising: attaching a flexible bag containing a supply of afood product to a concentrate conduit; sealing the flexible bag in anairtight enclosure; pressurizing air in the airtight enclosure andaround the flexible bag; transferring the supply of the pressurized foodproduct through the conduit to a dispenser; and selectively sealablyengaging the discharge opening to selectively open and close thedischarge opening to permit and inhibit the flow of food product fromthe dispenser.
 58. The method of claim 57 wherein the dispensercomprises a stopper having a surface for selectively sealably engagingthe discharge opening to selectively open and close the dischargeopening.
 59. The method of claim 57 further comprising adjusting a rateof flow of the food product to the dispenser.